Lazio women's club ordered to pay damages to pregnant player

The International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Italian women's football club Lazio must pay compensation to former midfielder Maja Gothberg after terminating her employment because of her pregnancy. The tribunal held that an employment relationship existed even without a signed contract and that the dismissal was unlawful.

FIFPRO said the decision creates a precedent for stronger maternity protection in professional football, emphasizing that "the ruling sends a message that pregnancy should never be a reason to deny a player opportunities" and that clubs cannot end a player's contract solely on the basis of pregnancy. The case also highlights confidentiality rules regarding medical information.